1
as in devilment
playful, reckless behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm
the children claimed that setting off a firecracker was harmless mischief, but they got a lecture anyway
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2
as in playfulness
a natural disposition for playful behavior
your mother was full of mischief as a child, believe it or not
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3
as in monkey
an appealingly mischievous person
he's a little mischief who means no harm
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mischief
Hernandez is charged with criminal mischief at a value greater than $2,500 but less than $30,000, according to the complaint filed in court.
—
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
Wyle’s sweet spot is playing normal guys who radiate knowledge and a touch of mischief — the types who could lead you into war or make a college lecture interesting.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
He has been charged with second-degree criminal mischief and released on a $500 bond.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025
Stevens has eight prior arrests and served two stints in state prison, including five years for criminal mischief before his parole in October 2018, according to records.
—Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischief
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
Wyle’s sweet spot is playing normal guys who radiate knowledge and a touch of mischief — the types who could lead you into war or make a college lecture interesting.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
He has been charged with second-degree criminal mischief and released on a $500 bond.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025
Stevens has eight prior arrests and served two stints in state prison, including five years for criminal mischief before his parole in October 2018, according to records.
—Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mischief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischief
Noun
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Mustard and vinegar provide the devilment for a flavorful bite, particularly when topped with a scattering of scallions and paprika.—
SAVEUR Editors,
Saveur,
5 Feb. 2025
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But even if truffles are beyond your pay grade, there is plenty of enjoyment to be had in the sheer devilment portrayed in this informative and appetizing book.—
Eugenia Bone,
WSJ,
10 July 2019
Noun
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While Violet is a doting mom, other monkeys in the troop also are helping keep an eye on the new addition, zoo officials said.—
Sara Schilling,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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Just then, the view changes to reveal a terrified monkey restrained in a similar fashion.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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To break the cycle of bias, Play devil’s advocate with yourself.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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Fire in the birthing cabin, where another devil stands.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The tinny, atmospheric beat escalates the wickedness, like a party that ends with a seance.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
7 Mar. 2025
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Or watch Margaret Hamilton terrorize Dorothy before getting the backstory behind her wickedness.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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As shown in his previous films, Eggers’ sensibility has roots not in contemporary horror but in stories from centuries past that become vivid and febrile, alive with an insidious devilry that inches under your skin.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
2 Dec. 2024
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That’s enough devilry to explain at least much of Haiti’s challenges without resorting to tales of satanic influence.—
Matthew Brown,
Washington Post,
24 Mar. 2024
Noun
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That’s flimflam, that’s roguery.—
Helen Shaw,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2022
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America, this is a level of pure double-dealing, roguery, and downright villainy ne’er witnessed on this television program.—
Ali Barthwell,
Vulture,
7 Sep. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Mischief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischief. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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